[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S6299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           OPEN ARMS SHELTER

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize the staff, 
board members, and volunteers of Open Arms Shelter in Lonoke County for 
their steadfast efforts to provide a home for abused or neglected 
children.
  Over 25 years, more than 2,100 children have found a temporary home 
at Open Arms until they are able to be placed in a relative's home, a 
foster home, or a long-term facility.
  Under the leadership of executive director Susan Bransford, the 
shelter served 177 children in 2009 and expects to serve at least that 
many this year.
  Open Arms provides children with the resources and care they need to 
be successful in school and life. The children attend school in Lonoke 
and have access to afterschool tutors if needed. Open Arms provides 
food, clothing, medical care and housing, while also offering 
recreational and educational outings and lessons, all within a 
structured, disciplined environment.
  The shelter employs 11 staff members, 2 of whom live at the shelter, 
along with 2 part-time cooks, a case coordinator, a part-time 
bookkeeper and 2 relief workers.
  The Open Arms board of directors includes individuals from throughout 
Lonoke County. They are: Shelby Hillman, Kathy Millard and David Woods 
of Carlisle; Peggy Anderson, Merritt Holman, Kaye Anderson and Betty 
Wilson of Lonoke; Leann Hanshaw, Rhonda Harps, Rhonda House and Patrick 
J. Hagge of Cabot; Pam Foster, Gary Canada and Sherry Sandage of 
England; and LuAnn Ashley of Little Rock, member at large.
  I commend the entire Open Arms community for their dedication to 
helping children in need with compassion and a loving heart.

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